DESCRIPTION
We take pride in presenting an exceptional Tetsubin, distinct from those crafted by Oitomi. This masterpiece has been meticulously forged by Shingo Kikuchi (菊池真吾), an esteemed traditional craftsman hailing from Shokado. Notably, his workshop is located in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, echoing our own locale.
The esteemed title of "traditional craftsman" carries official recognition from the Japanese government, signifying individuals who uphold and master advanced techniques and skills. Within the realm of Nambu Ironware, a select few bear this distinction, and Shingo Kikuchi stands among their ranks. In 2015, one of his iron kettles was presented to Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church — a testament to his standing as a master craftsman of the modern era.Nambu ironware takes shape through two distinct methodologies: Nama-gata, which utilizes sand molds, and Yaki-gata, involving molds fashioned through the baking of clay. The Tetsubin in question is born from the Yaki-gata method, resulting in the creation of a mere handful of pieces from a single mold. This rarity contributes to its profound uniqueness.
Reflecting the quintessential Nambu style, this Tetsubin features the early standard figure of the Nambu Tetsubin cast iron kettle.
The uneven surface and fixed handle evoke the spirit of "sabi," an inherently Japanese aesthetic rooted in the tea ceremony, symbolizing an appreciation for the beauty that emerges through the passage of time.
A motif of pine needles gracefully adorns the body, their significance deeply embedded in Japanese culture. Representing longevity and good fortune, the interconnectedness of two pine leaves even when they fall is emblematic of enduring unity. This rendering makes it a splendid choice for occasions like wedding anniversaries. The pine cone design atop the lid knob harmonizes with this motif.
Within, a technique known as kama-yaki imparts an oxidized film to the interior, with no paint employed.
While this Tetsubin may bear a higher price than its counterparts, its distinction stems from the Yaki-gata method, its bold and traditional aesthetic compositions, and the personal inscription of the traditional craftsman, "南部真吾" (Nambu−Shingo). Through these qualities, this special Tetsubin stands as your steadfast companion throughout life.
Please be aware that this item is also available in our physical store, with stock availability potentially varying based on timing. Kindly acknowledge that there might be instances where an ordered item is temporarily out of stock.
Furthermore, we kindly advise that due to the handmade nature of each item, subtle differences may exist between the actual product and the photographs provided.
Materials
To make tea and coffee great
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
We ship worldwide.
In-stock items ship within 5 business days.
Made-to-order pieces are produced in limited batches. Our workshop is often already at capacity with existing reservations, so estimated timelines are noted on each product page.
Delivery times may vary slightly by destination, carrier, and customs conditions.
CUSTOMS DUTY
The total you pay at checkout covers the product price and shipping only. It does not include import taxes, customs duties, or any other charges levied by the destination country.
You are responsible for these charges in all cases. They are set by each country's authorities and the rules change frequently, so please check the current requirements for your destination before placing your order.
If a shipment is refused, unclaimed, or returned because these charges are not paid, any related carrier costs remain your responsibility. We are unable to issue refunds for problems arising from customs or import procedures outside our control.
